MATCH PREVIEW: LEYTON ORIENT

11 September 2015

Cambridge United take on League Two leaders at the Abbey

Cambridge United are back in Sky Bet League Two action this Saturday (KO 3pm) against Leyton Orient at the Abbey Stadium.

United will head into their third consecutive home fixture in 11 days, looking to bounce back quickly from a frustrating result against Luton Town last weekend, in which a contentious second half dismissal for Harrison Dunk changed the complexity of the clash.

However, the U’s still sit comfortably in mid table on 11 points and will be confident that a result at the Abbey Stadium this weekend can reignite the bright start to the campaign.

Until last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at the end of the sizeable journey to St James’ Park to face Exeter City, Orient enjoyed an impeccable start to the 2015/16 Sky Bet League Two campaign with a 100% winning record.

Leading the charge has been Jay Simpson, with the former Arsenal and Hull City man stamping his authority on the new season, registering four times to become Orient’s leading scorer, closely followed by strike partner Paul McCallum on three.

Regardless of last weekend’s set back, Ian Hendon’s side arrive at the Abbey Stadium this afternoon sat at the peak of the division and certain to be looking to continue their rip roaring start to the campaign.

The U’s have not played against the O’s since the 2004/05 season, in which both Football League fixtures at the Abbey Stadium and Brisbane Road ended in 1-1 draws. Although United do edge the head to head records, with 17 wins to the London outfit's 12.

United Manager Richard Money revealed a handful of his players have returned to the training pitch this week ahead of the clash, whilst also giving an injury update on U’s midfielder Ryan Donaldson.

“We have got a few players back in training this week, Barry Corr and Elliot Omozusi included” he said.

“We are still working them through a process which will get them back up to near 100% match fitness, but we just have to get on with it.

“Ryan Donaldson missed the whole of pre-season and was gradually getting himself back through matches and then picks up an injury against Luton which means he will probably be out for three weeks.

He added: “We have to take the positives from last weekend’s game against Luton, into the game against Leyton Orient. We are looking for something that will give us good momentum.

“Getting beat last week will only put them [Leyton Orient] on their mettle even more, because they won’t want to get beat like that again, so we know we are in for a big test.

“However, home form is important every season in every League and we haven’t started that well this year and we want to get ourselves together quickly.”